A Signal of Peace - Chicago, IL
Posted by: 
adgorn
N 41° 55.992 W 087° 37.887
16T E 447650 N 4642552
Represents a Sioux Chief on horseback, his right hand holding a spear pointed upward in a gesture of peace.
Waymark Code: WM7G6Z
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 10/22/2009
Views: 4
Sculpted by Cyrus E. Dallin in Paris in 1890 after he saw the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show there. He brought the statue back to Boston, eventually exhibiting at the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. Philanthropist (and Judge) Lambert Tree saw it at the Fair, acquired it and donated it to the City of Chicago, being placed at its present lakefront location in 1894.
From Art Inventory site:
Dimensions: Sculpture: approx. 5 x 2 1/2 x 5 ft.; Base: approx. 7 x 3 x 5 ft.
Inscription: CE DALLIN / E. Gruet Jne Fondeur (founder's mark) (On bronze plaque:) A SIGNAL OF PEACE/THE GIFT OF/LAMBERT TREE signed Founder's mark appears.
Description: Full-length figure of Sioux chief astride a pony. In his proper right hand he holds a spear vertically in the air and in his left hand holds the reins of the horse. This chief wears characteristic moccasins, breechcloth, and a feathered war bonnet, its feathers falling down his back and over the flanks of the pony. The point of a spear with a peace emblem tied to it once extended above the Indian's hand, but has been lost. (NOTE: This has been repaired.) The statue is placed on a high pedestal atop a man-made mound at the mouth of Diversey Harbor.
TITLE: A Signal of Peace
ARTIST(S): Dallin, Cyrus Edwin, 1861-1944, sculptor.
DATE: 1890. Dedicated June 9, 1894.
MEDIUM: Sculpture: bronze; Base: granite.
CONTROL NUMBER: IAS 75004345
Direct Link to the Individual Listing in the Smithsonian Art Inventory: [Web Link]
PHYSICAL LOCATION:
Chicago's Lake Michigan shoreline, north of the entrance to Diversey Harbor, along bike trail
DIFFERENCES NOTED BETWEEN THE INVENTORY LISTING AND YOUR OBSERVATIONS AND RESEARCH:
The db description says: "The point of a spear with a peace emblem tied to it once extended above the Indian's hand, but has been lost."
This has been repaired and can be seen in the photos.
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